There are a number of steps to take before Tasmania can access to markets that have been restricted since the initial fruit fly incursion in January.

Tasmania relies on its fruit-fly-free status for access to premium million-dollar markets in Japan, Korea, USA, China and Taiwan, with the latter imposing restrictions after this incursion.

A Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment department spokesperson said Tasmanian needed agreement from the federal government and trading partners to achieve fruit fly freedom status.

“This means that Tasmania needs to maintain identified processes to give certainty to the Australian government and our trading partners that we have eradicated fruit fly from the state,” the spokesperson said.

These processes will need to continue throughout the next few months before a declaration can be given.

Tasmania’s long winter is expected to deter further fruit fly generations, however there is evidence that Queensland fruit fly could survive the season.

“While the cooler winter weather is believed to be a barrier to fruit fly establishment in Tasmania, this alone cannot be relied on to achieve eradication so it is necessary to continue with control measures over coming months,” the spokesperson said.  

Control areas on Flinders Island and in Northern Tasmania will stay in place until restrictions are lifted.

“The government is continuing to work with the Australian government to identify what measures and requirements continue to be needed and for how long.”